Tey Teodoro took charge late as Jose Rizal University (JRU) turned back Wangs Basketball, 86-77, on Tuesday to clinch a quarterfinals spot in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
After seeing action for only 45 second in the first half, the sweet-shooting guard picked up his rhythm in the second half and keyed the Heavy Bombers’ 25-point finishing kick.
Teodoro finished with a game-high 21 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter as JRU held off repeated comeback by the Couriers to improve to a 4-4 won-lost record.
“He had the right timing when he took charge. I told him, with the game on the line, you have to get the ball. He’s a big time player,” coach Vergel Meneses said of Teodoro.
Jhaps Bautista contributed 15 points, Ervin Grospe had 14 points and three boards, while John Amboludto got 10 points and nine rebounds for JRU.
The Couriers appeared to rip the game apart in the second quarter that saw them leading by as many as 44-32 only to lose steam in the second half.
Mark Montuano paced Wangs (3-6) with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Rey Publico had 19 points and eight boards.